Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Kelly.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I retired from teaching at the university in 2010. In late 2011 I began working on documentaries because there’s always a story to tell. My focus is on those individuals who make a difference in the lives of others in a positive, meaningful way–and there are many. The beginning was rough because I had no experience in filmmaking, but I had some incredibly knowledgable contacts who guided me along in the process (I was dangerous to say the least). Interviews and B-roll were collected for our first film, It’s All in the Game: The Leta Andrews Story over a four-year period. FYI–Leta Andrews holds the title of the winningest girls’ and boys’ high school basketball coach in the US, winning over 1,400 games. She is a remarkable woman, and I am honored to know her. Her husband, David, who passed away in March, was an amazing person as well. What a team they were! Anyway, once interviews, photos, and film footage were collected, I began to write the script; it was written and re-written–changes up until the very end—lots of eyes on it. And we needed a narrator for the story. Joel Walters, our Director, suggested that I contact the NBA Hall of Famer, Bill Walton, to narrate. Of course, I was hesitant, but I wrote Bill an email, and he responded! What a wonderful gentleman he is! Next, we needed an outlet. My friend, Ted Kay, President of TMK Productions, referred me to American Public Television. We submitted the documentary to them for review, and they accepted it. The film debuted on public television in 2017. The support to push this project through to the very end–oh my–so many people made it possible!
Now, we have two other documentaries in post-production. Still work to do, but getting there. More information on these is available on our website at www.rarebreedmediallc.com
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Lots of challenges, especially starting out because things never go according to plan. I muddled through at the beginning, and then I started working with experienced folks who advised me. That help tremendously. No road is smooth sailing–even with a map and directions–there are always bumps and detours along the way. That’s part of it. But I kept telling myself, it would get better, and it did, but it didn’t happen overnight.
what should we know about Rare Breed Media? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am very fond of the name of our organization–Rare Breed Media. The idea came from the “rare breed” animals we raise on our mini-ranch. Our logo was even designed to look like a cattle brand. What do we do best? We produce quality documentaries that present real life drama and experiences in an unforgettable way. The ultimate goal is to produce and market possibly two or three documentaries, and eventually, other film forms, every 12-18 months. Our “group” is composed of academic and film professionals who want to make a difference. Check out our team on our website at www.raremediallc.com. What sets us apart from the competition? Not sure I can answer that, but we pride ourselves on our story-telling abilities.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
My family encouraged independence and decision-making from an early age. My mother (and my grandmother) especially encouraged me to move forward and not second-guess myself. As a kid it never occurred to me that I couldn’t do something. Since those younger years, life’s hiccups have convinced me otherwise, but my work ethic says to keep trying. And I do.
From a young age, I’ve always liked to write and create. Wrote my first play in 4th grade, and the teacher actually let us practice and put it on for the other classes. How brave she was!
Pricing:
- Our documentary, IT’S ALL IN THE GAME, now being shown on public television/PBS, is also available on DVD for $20.00 (that price includes tax and shipping and handling charges, too). Here’s how to order: visit our website at www.rarebreedmediallc.com and click on SHOP
- Autographed photos of Bill Walton and Leta Andrews are available for $25 each (includes tax and shipping and handling). Here’s how to order: visit our website at www.rarebreedmediallc.com and click on SHOP
Contact Info:
- Website:rarebreedmediallc.com
- Phone:817-233-9019
- Email:janet@rarebreedmediallc.com or jkelly815@yahoo.com
- Facebook:rarebreedmedia
Image Credit:
DVD cover photo by Randy Ziegler Photography, DVD cover designed by Carolyn Walters, David, Leta ranch, Buffy Goodman
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
